Boaters in northern British Columbia are being cautioned to steer clear of an intriguing floating island that has emerged on a lake, having drifted approximately 30 kilometers in just two weeks.
BC Hydro representative Bob Gammer was initially skeptical of reports about the island, adorned with trees and lush vegetation, on Williston Lake, the reservoir for the W.A.C. Bennett Dam in the northern Interior. However, satellite images confirmed its presence in mid-August.
Measuring around one hectare, the island vanished momentarily, only to reappear on Monday, having journeyed the 30 kilometers.
Gammer advises boaters against approaching the island, speculating that it may be a cluster of unstable logs and decaying debris that broke free from the shore when the lake filled for the first time since 2012.
Images of the island, shared by Rocky Avery, garnered global attention after a friend spotted it at the lake near Avery’s hometown of Mackenzie. The water beneath the island was reportedly around 60 meters deep at the time.
Avery, who had resided in the area for over 48 years, expressed amazement at the sight, deeming it a remarkable occurrence.
He humorously suggested naming the island Rocky Island, despite its lack of rocks.
Avery brought the discovery to the attention of BC Hydro and members of the Tsay Keh Dene First Nation.
Gammer, recalling his initial skepticism, acknowledged the rarity of such an event, considering it a first for the Williston Reservoir.
BC Hydro will continue monitoring the island to track any further movements, as it remains a unique and intriguing phenomenon.
Keyphrase: Floating Island Mystery
